CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World Lands on Streaming

 

Jeri Jacquin

Today on Digital including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Fandango At Home and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD from director Julius Onah and Marvel Studios comes the next chapter of CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World.

It has been a few months since Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has been elected President of the United States. His first order of business is to send Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) to Mexico to stop classified information from being sold by Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). They get the information but Sidewinder gets away. Torres is a young gun and Wilson tries to keep in in check as the Falcon-in-training as they don’t have the same powers as Steve Rogers.

To help Torres, Wilson takes him to Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a former super soldier who doesn’t take any noise from Torres. Ross wants Wilson and Torres to come to the White House for a world-leaders gathering and wants Captain America to reform the Avengers. At the gathering, Ross talks about adamantium found on an island in the Indian Ocean. During his speech, music begins and chaos breaks out and those responsible are in a daze.

When Sidewinder is captured, it is discovered that Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) has something to do with it all. There is more to it than Wilson and Torres could have ever imagined. Each step they take brings them closer and closer to the answers of who is responsible for all the mayhem. As Wilson feels as if he is not capable, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) not only shows up for his friend, but help Captain America and the Falcon stop the one person who is truly responsible.

Mackie has taken the mantle of Captain America and it comes with a lot of insecurities. Wanting to be the man Steve Rogers saw when handing him the shield, he begins to question whether he is the right man for the job. While dealing with that, he is also worried about Torres and the young man’s bit of arrogance thinking he is ready for anything. Confronted with Ross’ request about the Avengers, it all comes with more questions than answers. Mackie is taking his new roll seriously wanting to show his characters insecurities and frailties in a human way and it works.

Ford as President Ross wants to keep the country strong and wants Wilson to bring back the Avengers to make that possible. Allowing Wilson and Torres to be a part of his plan is something both men understand – until everything has been turned outside

Ramirez as Torres is a hot shot of a kid who believes he is ready to be the new Falcon and jumps into the roll with little concern for the danger. That is where he and Wilson run into a bit of a problem. It is mostly on-the-job training as Torres and it could cost both super heroes in the end. Ramirez is charming and funny which works but he also begins to understand what it means to be the Falcon. Lumbly as Bradley is a man dealing with his own demons from the past as an imprisoned super soldier who has try to move on with his life. Being honored to attend the White House, someone is using that to bring Bradley back to a place he thought he’d never see again. Lumbly is a solid character and adds more back history to the story.

Shout out to Esposito as Sidewinder who, as always, plays a character that is cool as a cucumber, Tim Blake Nelson as Dr. Samuel Sterns and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes.

Other cast include Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Johannes Johannesson as Copperhead, William McCullough as Dennis Dunphy and Takehiro Hira as Ozaki.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes: A Heartfelt Thanks, The Mission and Stick Around, Assuming the Mantle, Old Scores, New Scars, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World is an action-packed film but then again that’s how it goes with superheroes! Mackie steps up to the shield having spent his time as The Falcon and now makes his own mark. That also means letting Marvel pave the way slowly for his own story to unfold even if some don’t have the patience to wait for that. The story gives viewers a solid vibe and that means a ride, especially with the Red Hulk making his appearance.

There are so many changes and shake ups in the MCU, the film starts the year off followed by waves of upcoming films. This year alone there is THUNDERBOLTS, IRONHEART, THE FANTASTIC FOUR and more so CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World offers up a new road that all fans are going to go down happily. Get the family together, pop the corn and put the shields up because now we can all watch it again and again!

In the end – the future favors the brave!

 

 

 

 

 

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Travels Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital this week from writer-director James Mangold, Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios comes the next adventure from the man we all know as INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY.

It is 1944 and Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and sidekick Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) are looking for the Lance of Longinus in the French Alps. Also looking for it is Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) who tells his superiors the lance is fake. What he does find is a piece of Archimedes’ Dial which allows for time travel. As the Nazi’s try to stop him, Indy does things Indy’s way and escapes with Basil and the piece of the dial.

Years have passed and now Indy is retiring from Hunter College and Marion has left because Indy can not get over the death of their son in the war. Jumping back into his life is Shaw’s daughter and Indy’s god-daughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and she is looking for the Dial as Indy tells her that although her father wanted it gone, he just put it away and didn’t tell anyone.

Once again, she isn’t the only person looking for the Dial, Voller is back and he has brought the CIA with him. Now posing as Dr. Schmidt to his who he really is, he tells Indy that Helena is responsible for putting antiquities on the black market. Leaving a trail of bodies, Indy is blamed for everything and friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davis) comes to the rescue.

Sallah tells Indy to head to Tangier where once again he must deal with Helena, Voller and meets the young Teddy (Ethann Isidore). When things turn chaotic, Indy and the gang make their way to Greece where Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) helps them dive to retrieve a tablet that could lead them to the Dial’s other half.

With Voller hot on their tale and another escape, Indy, Helena and Teddy look for Archimede’s tomb but something mysterious is amiss. Before they can figure out the mystery, Voller captures Indy and tells of his plan to time travel back to 1939 and why. What truly happens is more than Voller could have imagined and Indy makes the ultimate decision.

Ford as Indy is everything one would expect from our hero that has been in theatres since 1981. The brown fedora and leather jacket wearing, whip carrying, wise-cracking Indy doesn’t show signs that he has changed. Yes, he is older but still adventurous, curious and not about to let Voller be the next guy taking his finds. I enjoyed him as I always have as Indy, especially with the eels.

Waller-Bridge as Helena is not a character I enjoyed, to be honest. She is sneaky, and uses the good memories that Indy has of his god-daughter to get what she wants. Chasing down the Dial, Helena just puts the man she says she cares about in more and more mortal danger and, as an Indy fan, I didn’t appreciate. Helena does make changes in the end as all unruly characters in Indy’s life do.

Mikkelsen as Voller is a man who knows what he wants to do and he’s not about to let anyone get in his way. Fast with a pistol, he manages to show up like a ninja where ever Indy is. His desire to change history is calmly motivating and he never lets his emotions get in the way, well, except for one moment. Once again, I just find Mikkelsen awesome in this role but then again, I love pretty much everything he does.

Isidore as Teddy is the new Short-Round and just as smart. He works with Helena with his sticky fingers but also has the fascination with what Indy is trying to do. I enjoyed his performance and see how this young actor will go far.

Other cast include Shaunette Wilson as Mason, Thomas Kretschmann as Col. Weber, Boyd Holbrook as Klaber, Olivier Richters as Hauke, Martin McDougall as Durkin, Alaa Safi as Rahim, Chase Brown as Larry, Nasser Memarzia as Archimedes and Karen Allen as Marion.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include The Making of INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Chapter 1- Prologue – Harrison Ford Leaps back into action as Indiana Jones! Journey to 1944 as this featurette reveals the filmmakers, characters, stunts, locations, and incredible visual effects that make up the thrilling opening of Dial of Destiny. Chapter 2 – New York – Blast off to adventure as James Mangold showcases the re-creation of 1969 Manhattan for the Moon Parade chase. This featurette spotlights Helena as John Williams conducts his beautiful new theme for this compelling character.

Chapter 3 – Morocco – The man in the hat is back! Explore Morocco as this featurette breaks down the white-knuckle stunts of the medina tuk-tuk chase and hotel brawl. Meet Teddy, Indy’s precocious new ally in the hunt for the dial! Chapter 4 – Sicily – Meet Renaldo as he guides our heroes on a perilous underwater treasure hunt! Catch up with Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge on location in Sicily and explore the caverns, traps, and bugs surrounding Archimedes’ tomb!

Finally, Chapter 5 – Finale – This featurette breaks down the thrilling climax to the Indiana Jones series. Cast and filmmakers James Mangold, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford bid farewell to one of the greatest heroes of all time.

It is the end of the franchise (I hope because anyone replacing Indy just isn’t possible) and he goes out with some happiness in his life. The adventure is everything we have come to expect from Indiana Jones complete with chases, complex characters, mysteries to unravel and all done in the outfit that is all Indiana Jones.

It is time to say goodbye in style and add INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY to your home entertainment library. What an amazing way to revisit the adventure again and again!

In the end – history’s greatest hero returns!

 

 

 

 

 

AIR FORCE ONE Lands on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, Digital in SteelBook from director Wolfgang Peterson is a thrill ride in the most famous planes with AIR FORCE ONE.

United States President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is in Moscow at a dinner where he gives a speech making it clear that the U.S. ‘no longer negotiates with terrorists’. That sets a few nerves on edge but Marshall, wife Grace (Wendy Crewson) and young daughter Alice (Liesel Matthews) along with the press corps and a advisers return for the trip home on Air Force One.

What they don’t realize is that a man named Egor Korshunov (Gary Oldman), a loyalist to a man named General Radek (Jurgen Prochnow) who has been imprisoned by Russia. As easy as it looks, that’s because Korshunov has inside help and when the big move is made, the plane becomes a place of chaos. Secret Service try to help Marshall escape and the plane to land. Instead, the president and passengers are captive and the plane diverted to Kazakhstan.

But Marshall isn’t any ordinary president, he is a veteran of Vietnam and still has a few moves up his sleeve. Managing to call Vice President Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close), now everyone is on alert as to what is happening and Korshunov realizes that Marshall is on the loose. Threatening the president’s family, Marshall begins to take matters into his own hands with a plane that puts Korshunov on notice that not negotiating means just that!

Ford as the president gets an opportunity here in 1997 to be a bad-ass president. He may not be the loudest voice in the room but that’s because he processes everything happening around him. I’d rather that than all the ridiculous shouting. One step at a time Ford shows up as a man of action but with steps that are calculated and he makes it look easy and intense which is always an awesome combination.

Oldman as Korshunov is as awesome as I would want him to be. Let’s face it, the guy could do a sit down in a red velvet jacket in a high back chair reading the phone book and I’d be happy. What makes Oldman amazing his that what ever role he plays, he molds it, shapes it and presents it in a mesmerizing way to a glad audience. From vampire to futuristic shady businessman to a Gotham commissioner, Oldman knows what to give his characters that make them memorable.

Close as VP Bennett has just as much gumption as Marshall has and she certainly isn’t going to let a room full of twitchy fingered men lead her around by the high heels. I love when Close gets worked up because it rains awesomeness! Crewson as wife Grace is a thrilled First Lady until she gets a taste of the real world that a president deals with on the daily. She gets a chance to scream as only a mother would. Matthews as Alice has a few choice words of her own to say to the bad guys and I backed her up with a ‘yea, what the kid said!’.

Other cast include Zander Berkeley as Agent Gibbs, Alan Woolf as Russian President Petrov, Donna Bullock as Press Secretary Melanie Mitchell, Michael Ray Miller as USAF Axelrod, Carl Weintraub as USAF Ingraham, Bill Smitrovich as General Northwoodm, Levan Uchaneishvili as Sergei Lenski, Dean Stockwell as Defense Secretary Walter Dean, Paul Guilfoyle as Chief of Staff Lloyd Shepherd and William H. Macy as Major Norman Caldwell.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

AIR FORCE ONE is available on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, Digital and neatly packaged with cover artwork in an awesome SteelBook.

Bonus Features include on 4K Ultra HD Feature presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos +5.1 Audio and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray the Bonus Feature include Feature Presented in High Definition, 5.1 Audio and Commentary with Director Wolfgang Petersen.

AIR FORCE ONE is a film that just made the 90’s so much fun, intense and awesome at the theatres. To say they don’t make them like that anymore is speaking the truth. The film gave drama, high intensity, action and a shift at every turn. Seeing it on the big screen with a tub of popcorn with Harrison and Oldman going at it was a thrill all its own.

Now, it is back! On my 75” with sound bar, I am back in the theatres with a tub of popcorn in a recliner cheering for the president and throwing popcorn at the screen’s bad guys. Except now the whole family has the chance to get in on the fun. Director Petersen definetly thought this story through before putting it on film and gave us what a true action film should look like.

In the end – the fate of the nation rests with the courage of one man!

 

 

 

THE CALL OF THE WILD

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and 4K Ultra HD from director Chris Sanders and 20^th Century Home Entertainment is the story of a dog’s adventure in THE CALL OF THE WILD.

Buck is a St. Bernard dog who is living his best California life in the 1800’s with Judge Miller (Bradley Whitford). In a loving home that is constantly being tested by his antics, he has the face only everyone can love. Until one night he is kidnapped by unsavory characters and there is no way for Buck to get home.

Once out of the shipping crate, Buck finds himself in a new and strange land. He has been unloaded in the Yukon during its gold rush. He begins his new life as a sled dog for the postal service. He almost instantly becomes beloved by the towns people and the sled owner Perrault (Omar Sy) and wife Francoise (Cara Gee). Buck proves constantly that he is trustworthy and smart.

His life is about to change again when the postal service no longer needs the run. That is when he is purchased by the arrogant Hal (Dan Stevens) who believes he has the map to the biggest gold rush. After purchasing the dogs and openly treating them badly, John Thornton (Harrison Ford) steps in telling Hal he is going into danger.

Hal isn’t listening and loner Thornton decides to protect Buck even though he isn’t sure why and tragedy strikes. Thus, begins the most amazing friendship between man and dog. Thornton decides he is going to take a journey and asks Buck if he wants to go as well. The two find the most stunning place to stay and Buck finds new friends.

What they both don’t see coming is revenge!

Ford as Thornton portrays a loner of a man who is dealing with a heartache that has changed his life. He doesn’t want anyone’s help with anything yet feels drawn toward Buck. They don’t become instant friends because of Thornton’s grumpiness but Buck won’t be swayed. It isn’t easy to act with a dog in real life and even more difficult to make that relationship with a CGI dog but Ford manages well with his history in that area.

Stevens as Hal gets the chance to once again show that he makes playing a bad guy pretty easy. Filled with anger at Buck and Thornton, he feels something has been taken from him but instead of taking responsibility, he picks up a gun. Sy as Perrault loves the dogs and hates the end result and wife Gee as Francoise is keen to the amazing team they have.

Whitford as Judge Miller knows he has a big dog with a big personality on his hands. Can’t stay mad at that face for long though.

Other cast include Jean Louisa Kelly as Katie Miller, Michael Horse as Edenshaw, Karen Gillan as Mercedes, Colin Woodell as Charles, Micah Fitzgerald as Red Sweater, Adam Fergus as James and Karen Gillan as Mercedes.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

THE CALL OF THE WILD Special Features include A Man and His Dog, Origins, The On-Set Experience, State of the Art and The World of the Wild.

THE CALL OF THE WILD is adapted from the novel by Jack London. Selling his story to The Saturday Evening Post in 1903, he also wrote similar work with White Fang.

The film is a mixture of fun, the harshness of the 1900’s and true friendship. The CGI Buck is sometimes more human than his human counterparts. The story is beautifully told, and the cinematography is well done.

It’s a film that requires a big tub of popcorn, a big sofa and fluffy blankets with the family. There is nothing better than watching a family film this way and THE CALL OF THE WILD is exactly that in every way.

In the end – this is based on a legendary novel!

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val and Universal Pictures is the continuing saga of what our pets do when we aren’t at home with THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2.

Max (Patton Oswalt) and Duke (Eric Stonestreet) are discovering the changes that life has in store for them. Mom Katie (Ellie Kemper) has fallen in love, married and brought little Liam into their lives. Happier than he has ever been, Max also suffers from being over protective of Liam!

Learning they are going on a road trip, Max and Duke end up on a family farm. Before going, Max asks Gidget (Jenny Slate) to watch his Busy Bee toy and protect it. Duke goes insane with excitement but Max is not as thrilled, especially after meeting the farms work dog Rooster (Harrison Ford). Rough and rugged, Rooster lets Max know that he needs to take his fears by the paws and give them a shake.

Snowball (Kevin Hart) has a visit from a puppy named Daisy (Tiffany Haddish) who tells him the story of a tiger being badly treated by a circus owner. She wants the superhero bunny to help free the big kitty. After a simple slip of the ball, Gidget is now on a mission to find Busy Bee and gets lessons in being a cat from the most unlikely place.

It is mischief, it is mayhem and they are our pets!

Oswalt voicing the pup Max is a perfect choice as he has the uncanny ability to bring an animated dog to life. Of course I will always love him as Remy but I have room enough in my heart for a little ball of charming insecurities named Max. Stonestreet as Duke is just as big as he wants to be with the heart of a puppy. He loves being with Max and loves his family. He has such a way with the world and just gives it his innocence touch.

Slate as Gidget is just flustery and dreamy with a brain that goes a million miles a minute. She is still keen on Max with hopes for a future and willing to start with Busy Bee. Haddish as Daisy does what she has always done, giving her character attitude.

Hart as Snowball has become a little more full of himself if that’s possible and once he puts on his mask – its all done folks. As things get more complicated, it’s a good thing he has Daisy to take up the furry slack.

Harrison Ford takes a shot at animation by playing Rooster, a working dog on a farm who knows a thing or two about how to handle himself. He is a little harsh on Max but its all with a goal in mind.

Other cast include Lake Bell as Chloe, Bobby Moynihan as Mel, Hannibal Buress as Buddy, Chris Renaud as Norman, Peter Holm as Chuck and Nick Kroll as Sergei, Dana Carvey as Pops.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 is a continuation of characters that have brought joy to both kids and adults. From the beginning, these characters led by Max have given us all something to think about when we aren’t at home!

Even though there are several stories going on at once and there doesn’t seem to be a connection, it gets away with it by being cute. In a theatre full of kids, all they know is that it’s funny, colorful, full of adventure, cute animals and a very cute little boy and that’s all that matters.

All of those things are very true so even though this adult might say blah-blah-blah, my granddaughter had her bag of popcorn, a juice box and wide eyes and that was all I needed to see it through her eyes. The parents were enjoying the chuckles as well as a few adult jokes slipped through.

So, as the school year ends and the kids have time on their hands, make it a fun and laugh filled weekend with THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2.

In the end – you gotta love ‘em!